Apple’s Lightning Shows Just Who Is In Control of the iAccessories Industry

For almost a decade, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has used a uniform system for input/output on all of its iPods and iPhones: the beloved 30 pin connector. Then, with an announcement of the pending iPhone 5, that all changed as fast as, well, Lightning.

The publicationsat down with Mophie (Privately Held), a company that produces — among other things — battery-infused cases for iPhones, to extend battery life. Mophie described how the process works for the new connector, but more specifically, how it gave Apple a tighter leash on accessory makers.

When signing up for Apple’s MFi program (the design program that allows companies to incorporate Apple tech into their products), the company orders a Lightning connector unit from Apple to use in designing their product. Each unit issued is associated with a unique serial code, allowing Apple the track the unit to the original party who requested it…